Mais and Suzanna first met while volunteering at a children’s camp in the beautiful mountains of Kyrgyzstan. Suzanna was visiting a family friend, and Mais had traveled from Kazakhstan with a group of friends. At the time, both were so focused on serving the many needs of the children around them that they hardly had time to to think much of each other.

Yet, over time, they began to see each other’s hearts. Mais often helped Suzanna with her projects and crafts, while Suzanna was enduring some of the hardest conditions of her life (no running water, no toilets, sleeping in tents during cold nights, and hiking in the heat of the day) she felt worst version of herself. But Mais saw something entirely different. He recognized something truly special in Suzanna. He saw in her the most beautiful and selfless woman he had ever met, and from that moment, he knew he wanted to marry her.

What first captivated Suzanna’s attention was Mais’ selflessness. He was always willing to say yes to the dirtiest and most difficult jobs, and that made him stand out to her in a special way. His sincere service to God and to others, along with his kindness, touched Suzanna’s heart.

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They fell in love and knew it was God who had brought them together. Even though they were 6,390 miles apart, they discovered they had so much in common. Their shared love for Jesus, the arts, working with children, and helping others was only a small glimpse of the bond they found in one another.

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It was not butterflies or fleeting emotions that shaped their relationship, but rather a deep peace, a commitment to love one another, and a shared desire to glorify God together.